Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel

Description:

This is a type of ground squirrel found in mountainous areas of western North America. The golden-mantled ground squirrel is similar to chipmunks in more than just its appearance. Both the golden-mantled ground squirrel and the chipmunk have cheek pouches for carrying food. Cheek pouches allow them to transport food back to their nests and still run at full speed on all fours.

Habitat:

The golden-mantled ground squirrel is abundant throughout its range and is equally at home in a wide variety of forest habitats as well as rocky meadows, and even sagebrush flats.

Notes:

Is it a kind of chipmunk or a squirrel ?